Multi-objective optimization of a recuperative gas turbine cycle using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm.

A regenerative gas turbine cycle with two particular tubular recuperative heat exchangers in parallel is considered for multi-objective optimization. It is assumed that tubular recuperative heat exchangers and its corresponding gas cycle are in design stage simultaneously. Three objective functions including the purchased equipment cost of recuperators, the unit cost rate of the generated power, and the exergetic efficiency of the gas cycle are considered simultaneously. Geometric specifications of the recuperator including tube length, tube outside/inside diameters, tube pitch, inside shell diameter, outer and inner tube limits of the tube bundle and the total number of disc and doughnut baffles, and main operating parameters of the gas cycle including the compressor pressure ratio, exhaust temperature of the combustion chamber and the air mass flowrate are considered as decision variables. Combination of these objectives anddecision variables with suitable engineering and physical constraints (including NOx and CO emission limitations) comprises a set of mixed integer non-linear problems. Optimization programming in MATLAB is performed using one of the most powerful and robust multi-objective optimization algorithms, namely non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. This approach is applied to find a set of Pareto optimal solutions. Pareto optimal frontier is obtained, and a final optimal solution is selected in a decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]